The Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning were established on the foundation of existing overseas compatriot schools (groups) to promote Mandarin learning in the American and European areas.
In 2021, 18 such centers were set up at overseas compatriot schools in the U.S., UK, France and Germany. The OCAC held three online presentations on December 1st and 10th, 2021. Most students had no Mandarin foundation at all before taking classes, but now, after one term, they can greet someone, introduce themselves in simple Mandarin, and recognize the basic characters and vocabularies used in everyday life. Through the cultural activities arranged by the centers, the characteristics of Taiwan’s culture and its difference with western culture have been introduced, which will help student increase understanding and appreciation of Taiwan’s culture. Many students have said that they hope to use what they have learned when they visit Taiwan in future.
With the achievements of 18 Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning established in 2021, the OCAC held an evaluation meeting on December 28th. Approval for operation in 2022 was given to all 18 centers, among which 4 centers with excellent performance were evaluated: Irvine Chinese School and Silicon Valley Chinese School were evaluated Best and Washington DC Taiwanese School and Hua Hsia Chinese School were evaluated Excellent. The OCAC has recently announced the potential list of new 29 centers to be set up in 2022. The experiences of the centers with excellent performance will be shared with the new centers at the right time to let all Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning provide high quality Mandarin teaching next year and, while doing so, share Taiwan’s cultural characteristics with local societies. The e-books and class related information for the 18 already-established centers can be viewed on the page of Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning (http://TaiwanCenter.Taiwan-World.Net) on the OCAC official website. Non-Mandarin speaking people from mainstream society interested in learning Mandarin are invited to view the information and register for the class.
